COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies at Royal Holloway focuses on providing students with a deep and critical understanding of both terrorism and the strategies used to counter it. Delivered at the central London campus, the program’s core modules include Debates in Terrorism Studies, Debates in Counter-Terrorism Studies, and a Dissertation, alongside Academic Integrity training. The Debates in Terrorism Studies module encourages students to explore the causes, dynamics, and organizational structures of terrorism, examining why individuals join extremist groups and how social, political, and economic conditions influence terrorist activity. Debates in Counter-Terrorism Studies examines the strategies, policies, and practices designed to prevent and respond to terrorism, including national and international approaches to countering violent extremism, while considering the ethical, legal, and political implications of these interventions. The Dissertation allows students to engage in independent research, applying analytical and methodological skills to a focused topic within the field, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Throughout the program, students develop the skills necessary to evaluate threats, assess interventions, and contribute to policy and strategy formulation. Graduates are equipped for careers in government, law enforcement, security agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and research, providing expertise to address complex global security challenges.